BLOGGING can seem like a bit of a chore every time it comes around but if you see it as an investment in your business, it could be time well spent.
Here are a few of my top reasons for writing a blog – and remember, you can write a few in advance and schedule them to publish, so that you’ve not got to plan a writing session so often. It’s sometimes this bit that puts you off if you’d rather be doing anything other than writing!
Just remember to check your scheduled blogs before they go out to make sure they’re relevant or bump it on a week/month if something pops up that is more current.
I write mine a few days ahead, but only because my mind is full of ideas and I’d end up bumping and bumping into next year!
Refresh your website:
Blogging gives your website a frequent update – and Google spots it. The more you blog, the more it notices your new content and moves you up the pages. Plus, if you create a good headline – often the answer to an FAQ, this will help with the searches.
The more people see your content, the more you remind them of you and your business and what you can do for them.
Create your own content:
A blog allows you to write your own content and keep in control of it. It goes onto your website in your words – that then can’t be changed. When you send a press release for example, it can be edited by the news outlet. When you post on social media, it can be shared with a different message…yours may be lost.
A blog allows you to keep your messaging intact and focus on what you need to.
Show your expertise / skills:
Writing a blog allows you to showcase your skills and expertise to existing clients, warm leads and new prospects.
You can write what you like – you’re in control! But it must show your audience that you know what you’re talking about, can help them and solve a problem or make their life a bit easier with your product/service.
Existing clients will be reassured that they’re working with someone trusted and skilled – which is where the referrals come from, as they tell others about you. Potential clients get to see your skills and hear your voice telling them what you can do for them.
Tell your own story:
You can run your blogs in an order to suit you, unlike published material which goes out of your hands and control once it hits the newsroom. You can write one-off blogs, create a theme and run a mini-series, re-visit blogs you’ve written before to update, emphasise or add an example to.
You can tell your story in your own words, how you want to and when you want to, without it being edited by a newsdesk.
It’s your story – and you can tell it in your own way.
Create social media content:
A blog gives you instant social media content. You can post a summary of your blog using key words and making use of hashtags alongside a shortened link to your blog. Add a nice image and you’ve got some engaging content really easily!
The better the content, the more likely it is to be shared rather than just viewed. It’s those shares and reach you’re looking for, not just people scrolling through your timelines thinking ‘that’s nice’!
Generate new interest:
Blogging can bring you leads from people looking for speakers, workshop hosts and even guest blog spots. They will see you know what you’re talking about, have an engaging style and want to speak with you about collaboration. Bingo! You’re now in front of their audience and connections – and all you did was to sit down and write a blog!
A great client, referral, project or collaboration could come from it.
I love writing so do get in touch if you would like some help writing a blog, finding ideas, someone to check your blogs before they go out or to give you 1-1 tuition if you’d like to write them yourself. And if you just don’t fancy it, I can write them for you!
